World Record group shot by Bart Sauter in IBS 600-yard Match on April 21, 2018 in Memphis, TN.

0.282 inches, 0.04 MOA… at 600 Yards. Simply amazing…

What can we say… this 0.282″ 5-shot group 600 yards represents one of the most impressive feats of rifle accuracy in history. Shot in competition, this five-shot group at 600 yards easily fits inside a dime with plenty of room to spare!

Bullet-maker Bart Sauter recently shot this 0.282″ five-shot group at a 600-yard IBS match. Yep, you read that right — 0.282″ at 600. Most shooters would be happy with that group at 100 yards. At 200 it would be remarkable. But at 600 — it is truly amazing. Readers, 0.282″ at 600 works out to 0.04 Minutes of Angle (MOA). Not point four MOA, but point ZERO four MOA, and it was all in the TEN RING for a 50 score. Even measured outside edge to outside edge, that group is just 0.525″, so Bart’s group will easily fit inside a dime (0.705″ diameter).

Sauter’s amazing 0.282″ 50 group smashes the existing IBS Heavy Gun 600-yard record, a 0.404″ shot by John Lewis way back in 2008. It also happens to beat the existing IBS Light Gun group record — the stunning 0.336″ by Rodney Wagner in 2013. (A group many said could never be bettered). Bart’s group will be a new score record too — many 50s have been shot before, but the group size is the tie-breaker, and no one has ever shot smaller at 600 than Bart.

Sauter Smashes IBS World Records with Stunning 600-Yard Group

Report by Boyd Allen, IBS Vice President
On the 21st of April, at the beautiful Memphis Sport Shooting Assn. 600-yard benchrest range, bullet-maker Bart Sauter made history. About 11:00 O’clock with 12-15 MPH switchy winds, Bart Sauter waited for his chosen condition and then ran five shots into an incredible 0.282″ record-breaking group, with a score of 50. Shot in Heavy Gun Class (with his Light Gun), this combination of group and score bettered the previous HG group and score records with sufficient margins that their records in both categories are virtually guaranteed. The previous group record, a 0.404″, belonged to John Lewis and stood for ten years. The previous score record was 50/.513 (group size being the tie breaker) shot by B.J. Francis last year. Bart’s target was 50/.282.

To put it in perspective Bart’s record has the equivalent angular dispersion (MOA) of a .04″ group shot at 100 yards. (Bart’s exact MOA is 0.0448) But consider that crosswinds have roughly 36 times more effect at 600 yards than at 100 yards (by the “Rule of the Square”).

Record-Setting Cartridge and Load with Bart’s Own 105gr Bullets
Bart shot a 6mmBR Ackley Improved (6BRA) wildcat cartridge with an 0.272″ neck. This is basically the 6mmBR Norma with a 40° shoulder. The neck is long like the parent cartridge, not short like a 6mm Dasher. Bart was shooting his own 105 grain, 13 Ogive VLD bullets. He calls this new bullet design “The Hammer” (for good reason). Bart’s Hammer 105s were loaded in Lapua brass with Hodgdon H4895 powder and Wolf primers. Bullet tips were trimmed on a Giraud bullet point trimmer, but not pointed. Bart feels that there is too much potential for damaging bullets during pointing, so he does not point his match bullets. Bart had his LabRadar chrono on the bench during the match. Velocities were 2970-2975 fps with single-digit ES.

Record-Setting Rifle — IBS Light Gun Shot in Heavy Gun Class
Bart’s rifle features a melonited BAT B action, with a 26″, 1:8″-twist, HV contour James Lederer barrel, fitted with a Mike Ezell tuner. The Jewell trigger was set to 1.5 ounces. On top was a March 40X in BAT rings. The initial build was by Mike Moses, with chambering by Dean Stroud, and final (glue and screw) bedding by Billy Stevens. The handsome wood JB 1000 stock (3″-wide fore-end) boasts an aluminum keel added by Alex Wheeler after the initial build. Bart said that it only took him 15 minutes to adjust the keel so that the cross hairs did not wiggle on the target when the gun was pulled back a full 2 ½ inches. Bart is definitely a fan of the adjustable keel.

Bench Equipment and How Rifle Was Shot
Bart used a Farley Coaxial front rest with soft leather Edgewood front back sprinkled with baby powder. In the back was a Protektor Model DR rear bag with Cordura ears and no added lube (not needed with aluminum keel) borrowed from Mike Moses. Bart shot the rifle lightly pinned between his shoulder and the fore-end stop. Interestingly, Bart kept his Labradar chronograph on his bench throughout the day, and recorded velocities during the record group: 2970-2975 fps with single-digit ES.

Reloading Equipment and Methods
After firing, cases are annealed with a Benchsource flame annealer. The inside of the case-necks are brushed with a nylon brush (no lubricant is used). Cases are sized with a custom Whidden Full-length sizing die (with bushings), and a cut-down Wilson micrometer seater that was originally made for the Dasher.

Bullets are seated with a 21st Century Shooting Hydro Bullet Seater, used with the Wilson cut-down Wilson seating die. This state-of-the-art arbor press boasts a hydraulic seating pressure cylinder and gauge. During seating, the force gauge reads about 27.

The powder charge is first thrown from a manual measure and usually trickled onto an A&D 120 FXi magnetic force restoration scale using an Adams automatic trickler, but this time Bart had to settle for his old RCBS trickler because the drive band of the Adams auto-trickler wore out.

Brass Prep — The chamber is a 0.272″ no turn. Bart lightly skims the necks AFTER the first firing just enough to achieve batch to batch uniformity in neck thickness. He uses a .266 bushing which gives him .003 neck tension.

Pre-Loading vs. Loading at the Range
I asked Bart if he pre-loads, or loads at the range. Unexpectedly his answer was “Both…depending”. Bart will identify his “in tune” velocity at his home range and then pre-load that load before the match. However, Bart takes all of his reloading equipment to the match, and if the conditions are such that his pre-loaded ammunition does not give the velocity he wants (as revealed by the LabRadar), he will load at the match.

Another test that he feels is important is to be able to pass a bullet all the way through the neck of his fired cases. Bart thinks that even if the shank of a seated bullet does not directly contact a doughnut, that doughnut can have a negative effect on accuracy.

Bart has brought short range benchrest know-how to 600-yard competition. He uses a full set of short range flags, shown above. At last year’s Nationals, at the same Memphis range, Bart was one of the only shooters with a set of flags. Now other 600-yard competitors are following suit.

Final Throughts — The 6BR Ackley vs. 6mm Dasher
Given its prominence, it is inevitable that comparisons be made between the 6mmBR Ackley Improved and the Dasher. On this subject Bart told me that, based on his experience, he is a “Dasher basher”. He believes the Dasher can be finicky, and has a tendency to flip shots out of the group. For Bart, the 6BR Ackley has been a lot easier to work with and more predictable.

Below is a test target Bart shot at 100 yards. The load yielding the smallest 3-shot group, measuring 0.092″, was the load Bart took to the match. As you can see, the positions of the various load adjustments did not change on the targets. Bart said that that is the kind of positive compensation that he likes to see.

While Bart does most of load testing at short range, he can shoot out to 500 yards near his home. He says his record-setting gun has produced multiple 500-yard, 3-shot groups in the “three-quarter inch range” when testing in calm conditions. That’s 0.14 MOA for three shots. At 500…

Congratulations to Bart on His Great Shooting
Finally, I would like to add my congratulations to Bart Sauter for this spectacular group. I also want to thank Bart for generously taking the time to share the details of his load, reloading methods, and rifle components. Bart has shown that applying some short-range benchrest techniques to the mid-range game can produce remarkable results.

At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.

1. Brownells — Savage B17 F 17 HMR Rifle, $242.99

Varminters take note — Savage has a new bolt-action 17 HMR rifle, the B17, which features a modern synthetic stock and AccuTrigger. The basic version with 21″ barrel costs just $242.99 at Brownells. MSRP is $299.00 so Brownells’ price is cheap for a 17 HMR with a button-rifled barrel that can shoot close to one MOA with good ammo. Easy to carry, the B17 weighs just 5.5 lbs. without scope. Note, Savage also offers the more costly B17 FV-SR model with Picatinny rail and a shorter, heavier contour barrel threaded for a suppressor.

2. MidwayUSA MagnetoSpeed Sporter, $159.99 (Save $20!)

UPDATE 5/2/2018: Sorry this deal is over. As we say, you snooze you lose.

If you have been waiting to get a MagnetoSpeed — wait no longer. Priced at just $159.99 at MidwayUSA, the MagnetoSpeed Sporter model costs less than half as much as MagnetoSpeed’s V3 models. This is a special deal — nearly twenty bucks cheaper than other vendors. You have to put the item in the cart to see that price. But you better act quick — this kind of special “Shopping Cart Discount” won’t last long. We confirmed Midway’s $159.99 price on the morning of April 30, 2018. This chronograph attaches directly to your barrel so you don’t have to go downrange to position tripods and set up skyscreens. For most people the Sporter Model contains all the features they need.

3. Midsouth — Hornady Auto Charge Dispenser, $158.99

Here’s an excellent promo from our friends at Midsouth. Hornady’s versatile Lock-N-Load Auto Charge™ Powder Scale and Dispenser is on sale for $158.99 at Midsouth. The Hornady Auto Charge is accurate to 0.1 grains of powder and can hold up to 1000 grains of powder in its hopper. This is a very good value compared to other popular powder scale/dispensers on the market, such as the RCBS ChargeMaster Lite, currently $257.24 at Amazon (nearly $100 more).

4. Precision Reloading — Alliant Powder Rebate ($2 per Pound)

Now through June 30, 2018, Alliant Powder is offering $2 back per pound for every pound of Alliant powder you purchase (2-lb minimum). That’s $16 on an 8-lb jug — a nice little bonus. This promotion applies to ALL Alliant powders including the popular Reloder 16, a very accurate, temp-stable powder that’s a superb substitute for hard-to-find Hodgdon H4350. Alliant’s springtime “Smokin’ Reward” promotion will earn you up to $20 — there is a 10-lb maximum. NOTE: This promo is available from other vendors, including Bruno’s, Midsouth, and Powder Valley. However, Precision Reloading is featuring Alliant powders this week.

5. Champions Choice — Deluxe 58″-Long Rifle Case, $68.00

Many of our readers shoot Palma, F-Class, and ELR rifles with long barrels (up to 35″). It’s difficult to find high-quality, well-padded cases that fit very long rifles. Champion’s Choice offers just such a product, the 58″ Deluxe Soft Rifle Case. With thick 1″ padding on each side, big pockets, and backpack straps, this black/blue/white gun case has earned rave reviews from our Forum members. There’s plenty of room for big scopes, and it even comes with an internal tube to hold your cleaning rod.

6. Amazon — MTM AC4C Ammo Crate with 4 Ammo Boxes, $24.99

Here’s a very cool product from MTM at a great price. The versatile MTM AC4C Ammo Carrier features four, lockable polymer ammo cans in a fitted, four-slot 23.5” x 11.3” x 7.5” carry crate. This makes it easy to haul four full ammo cans. Actual purchasers have raved: “Moments after I received this storage box set I ordered another. Very well built and great design. Awesome and a steal at the price.” Right now this is on sale at Amazon for just $24.99 with free prime shipping. The system includes four lockable, O-Ring 11.3″ x 7.2″ x 5″ ammo cans (AC30T) for multi-caliber ammo storage. The crate even includes tie-down points for transport in a cart or ATV. NOTE: Earlier this summer this MTM AC4C system sold for $39.99. The current $29.99 price represents a 25% savings!

7. Amazon — PRS Practical Shooting Book — $19.99

Thinking of getting started in the Practical/Tactical shooting game? Looking for ways to be more stable when shooting from unconventional positions? Then you may want to read Marcus Blanchard’s Practical Shooter’s Guide (A How-To Approach for Unconventional Firing Positions and Training). Unlike almost every “how to shoot” book on the market, Blanchard’s work focuses on the shooting skills and positions you need to succeed in PRS matches and similar tactical competitions. Blanchard provides clear advice on shooting from barricades, from roof-tops, from steep angles. Blanchard says you need to train for these types of challenges: “I believe the largest factor in the improvement of the average shooter isn’t necessarily the gear; it’s the way the shooter approaches obstacles and how they properly train for them.”

8. CDNN — 51-Piece Driver Set (Flat, Phillips, Hex, Torx) — $9.88

This Outers-brand, 51-piece set contains all the drivers you could ever need: Flat-head, Phillips, Hex (Allen), and Torx. Priced under ten bucks, this driver set offers great value for the money. Even if you already own high-quality Allen and Torx wrenches, you can buy this as a spare set for your gun room. And this also makes a great holiday “stocking stuffer” for gun guys. These drivers work great for installing scope rings or bases, or everyday use around the home.

9. Amazon — Two Rolls of 3″ Neon Target Stickers, $14.95

We like these bright, Neon 3″ target stickers. They are big enough to see easily at 600 yards, giving you a 1/2 MOA target center at that distance. For $14.95 at Amazon.com, you get 250 3″-diameter self-adhesive centers (125 targets per roll) that stick to almost any surface The high-contrast fluorescent red/orange color provides an excellent HI-VIZ aiming point, along with good contrast for bullet holes that fall within the 3″ circle. To help line up your reticle cross-hairs, the target centers feature black markers at 3, 6, 9, and 12 0’Clock. NOTE: These stickers may qualify for FREE Shipping with combined orders over $25.00.

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Nosler’s line of RDF™ (Reduced Drag Factor) bullets feature very high Ballistic Coefficients, hybrid-type ogives, and tight, factory-closed meplats. Nosler’s RDF bullets were designed to be very competitive match projectiles for their respective bullet weights. Now offered in four calibers, Nosler RDF bullets genuinely deliver excellent performance for the price. Shooters, particular PRS competitors, have found the RDFs deliver the flat trajectory and high BC necessary to reach the podium.

Nosler is proud of its RDF bullets, which feature tight, uniform meplats: “Nosler knows what gives competitive shooters an edge, isn’t an edge at all. It’s a point. With the highest in-class Ballistic Coefficient and smallest, most consistent meplat, RDF is the flattest-shooting match bullet in its class. Now available in more calibers and weights, the RDF’s meticulously-optimized compound ogive and long, drag-reducing boat-tail make achieving peak accuracy a snap”.

RDF bullets are also available in Nosler factory ammunition in a variety of popular cartridge types. Nosler factory ammo lets you spend more time at the range and less at your reloading bench. Look for RDF bullets loaded in Nosler’s “Match Grade” Ammunition. Below is the .264-caliber, 140 grain RDF loaded in 6.5 Creedmoor, a popular chambering for PRS and tactical shooters.

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Our friend Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com recently tested the nicely-crafted Buchanan Hand Press. This symmetrical, twin-lever tool can handle pretty much any sizing and/or seating task as it offers plenty of leverage — even for full-length case resizing. Crafted by Buchanan Precision Machine, this Hand Press has a central mount for the die on top with a conventional shell-holder at the bottom. There is a handy spent primer catcher, plus an optional Lock-N-Load die insert adapter. This press is well-built, but the $245.00 price is steep. You can buy FIVE Lee Hand Presses for the cost of this Buchanan.

You can see how this press works in this recent UltimateReloader video. Gavin demonstrates all the key functions, including decapping, sizing, and bullet seating. You can see that Gavin was impressed with this hand press, which is well-suited for loading at the range:

Gavin explains that the modern Buchanan Hand Press is based on a previous design: “This press is an evolution of an old press that has been out of production for years: the Huntington Industries Decker Hand Press. While it shares some of the basic design features, the Buchanan Precision Machine Hand Reloading Press takes quality and functionality to the next level. This press accepts standard shell holders, uses standard 7/8×14 dies (or dies with Hornady Lock-N-Load bushings as I showed in the above video), and has a COL capacity of 3 3/4″. Need to load 30-06 away from the bench? No problem, this press can handle it. Unlike other hand presses, this one stands by itself on a flat/level surface, and can be clamped to a bench in order to stay in one spot.”

The administration of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has declared war on the firearms industry with a campaign that some believe amounts to State-supported blackmail. Major New York State government agencies have pressured financial and insurance companies who do business with producers of firearms, ammunition, and related products. Both the N.Y. Department of Financial Services and the N.Y. State Controller’s office have tried to compel banks and insurers to abandon the gun/firearms industry. The messages sent to banks and insurers were not subtle.

According to the New York Daily News, “Gov. Cuomo’s administration is urging banks and insurance companies in New York to reconsider any ties they have to the gun industry”. Two powerful New York State agencies have been involved so far…

First State Controller Thomas DiNapoli, director of New York’s State Pension Fund, issued letters to credit card companies “urging them to crack down on gun purchases” according to the N.Y. Daily News. “If gun violence continues unabated in society, public outcry and calls for action may grow and create significant financial risk for the company,” DiNapoli wrote.

This was followed by threatening letters from N.Y. Department of Financial Services Superintendent Maria Vullo. In her official capacity, Vullo wrote that her agency “urges all insurance companies and banks doing business in New York to join the companies that have already discontinued their arrangements with the NRA, the gun industry, or other promoters of guns, and to take prompt actions to manage these risks and promote public health and safety”.

Thankfully, some gun industry leaders have taken notice of New York’s actions and are standing firm in opposition to New York’s attempt to threaten banks and insurers. This message was posted by Hornady yesterday on its Facebook page:

Who does Gov. Andrew Cuomo think he is, telling New York banks and insurers to blackball the gun and ammo industry?

Steve Hornady, President of Hornady Manufacturing, responded:

The State of New York did one of the most despicable acts ever perpetrated by any state by asking New York banks, financial institutions and insurance companies to stop doing business with the gun and ammo industry. While it may not make a difference to New York, Hornady will not knowingly allow our ammunition to be sold to the Government of the State of New York or any N.Y. agencies. Their actions are a blatant and disgusting abuse of office and we won’t be associated with a government that acts like that. They should be ashamed.

COMMENT: These New York officials seem to forget that the firearms industry provides essential products for law enforcement and the military, as well as civilians. Who will arm our police if the firearms industry is shut down or bankrupted? And these New York officials forget how firearms are used for self-defense by tens of millions of Americans. This is yet another example of an extreme, radical anti-gun agenda that now infects even the highest levels of government in New York State.

What Do YOU Think of New York’s Attack on the Gun Industry
What’s your view of these actions by New York state agencies? Ask yourself, how would the mainstream media react if New York’s state officials attacked other key industries? What is the best response to this anti-gun activism by Gov. Cuomo’s administration in New York?

This post essentially puts twenty bucks in your pocket if you need a chronograph. You see the MagnetoSpeed Sporter Chrono typically costs around $179.00 from most vendors. But right now MidwayUSA is running a special — the true “shopping cart price” is $159.99. That’s $20.00 cheaper than Midway’s regular price, and $19.01 cheaper than the lowest price we found anywhere else. But you better act quick — this kind of special “Shopping Cart Discount” won’t last long. We confirmed Midway’s $159.99 price on the morning of April 28, 2018.

Strapped on your barrel, the MagnetoSpeed Sporter records velocities accurately without requiring any hardware to be placed downrange. Everything is self-contained at your shooting station, so you no longer have to waste time setting up tripods and aligning the bullet path through old-fashioned chrono skyscreens. For most shooters, the MagnetoSpeed Sporter is all they need — they don’t need to spend $380.00 for the Deluxe MagnetoSpeed V3 Model. Here’s a video review which compares the Sporter to the more expensive V3 chronograph.

There is an informative article on the NRA’s American Hunter website regarding suppressor use for hunting. The article, What Hunters Need to Know About Suppressors, answers common questions about licensing, tax stamps, and suppressor types. The article explains the history of the $200 tax stamp which must be paid when acquiring a suppressor:

“Why the Tax? In 1934 … the federal government, while battling gangsters such as Al Capone, heavily restricted silencers with passage of the first National Firearms Act. Hoping to gain an advantage on criminals that often had better weapons than cops, the Feds placed a mandatory ‘sin’ tax on silencers that was so high it would effectively ban their purchase by all but the wealthiest individuals. In 1934, $200 was the equivalent of $3,500 today. The $200 tax still stands despite no evidence that a simple metal tube is capable of causing crime.” — American Hunter

The American Hunter article also discusses how well suppressors actually reduce noise. User should be aware that the sound level of a large, centerfire hunting cartridge will still exceed 130 decibels (dB) on average, even with a typical suppressor (silencer) in place. For that reason, we recommend that hunters continue to wear ear protection even when they shoot suppressed.

For example, Thunder Beast Arms says its latest Ultra 9 Suppressor will reduce the report of a .308 Win to 132-134 dB: “The ULTRA 9 will suppress a typical .308 bolt-action rifle down to approx. 132-134 dB. It also has very little or no ‘first round pop’ (FRP) in most applications.” NOTE: These dB levels are measured in accordance with MIL-STD-1474D using BK 2209 SLM offset one meter from muzzle.

How Loud Are Unsuppressed Rifles?
Firearms Are Loud — 140 dB to 175 dB. Audiology group ASHA explains: “Almost all firearms create noise that is over the 140-dB level. Exposure to noise greater than 140 dB can permanently damage hearing. A small .22-caliber rifle can produce noise around 140 dB, while big-bore rifles and pistols can produce sound over 175 dB. Firing guns in a place where sounds can reverberate, or bounce off walls and other structures, can make noises louder and increase the risk of hearing loss. Also, adding muzzle brakes or other modifications can make the firearm louder. People who do not wear hearing protection while shooting can suffer a severe hearing loss with as little as one shot[.] Audiologists see this often, especially during hunting season when hunters and bystanders may be exposed to rapid fire from big-bore rifles, shotguns, or pistols.” Source: ASHA, Recreational Firearm Noise Exposure.

How Much Does a Good Suppressor Really Reduce Firearm Sound Levels?
That depends on the rifle, the cartridge, and the effectiveness of the suppressor. The American Hunter article explains: “Suppressors retard the speed of propellant gases from the cartridge that rapidly expand and rush out of the barrel. It’s these gases that produce the loud boom that’s heard for miles. A suppressor’s series of internal baffles slows these gases so they are not all released at once, thereby muffling the sound.” Many good commercial suppressors can achieve 30-35 dB sound suppression. However, Zak Smith of Thunder Beast Arms says: “There are a bunch of manufacturers who publish values that are not reproducible, or use an ad-hoc test instead of a mil-spec test. In many cases we’ve tested the exact same suppressors they’ve advertised with 30-40 dB reductions and found they are actually in the high 20s instead.”

Again, for this reason, we recommend that hunters use ear protection, such as electronic muffs, even when shooting suppressed.

Choosing a Suppressor for Hunting Use
The American Hunter article explains that there are many types of suppressors on the market. Bigger suppressors are heavier, but they normally are more effective. You also have a choice in muzzle attachments:

“For most hunting applications, direct thread is the best choice. If you intend to buy only one suppressor yet you have multiple guns, it’s advantageous to buy a model sized and rated for the largest caliber you intend to use. While a suppressor made specifically for a .223 Rem. will reduce the sound of that round slightly better than a model made for .30 caliber, for example, you can use a .30-caliber can for smaller calibers — but not vice-versa. In general, the bigger the can, the more it reduces sound. Smaller suppressors, however, are easier to carry in the woods.” — American Hunter

How to Apply for a Suppressor
To acquire a quality suppressor, you’ll first need to shop around, comparing verified performance. Unfortunately some manufacturer’s dB claims are exaggerated. Give due consideration to size, weight, and durability. When you’ve selected a brand and model, find a Class 3 dealer authorized by the ATF to sell suppressors. You must fill out ATF Form 4, get fingerprinted, and pass a background check. Along with two completed copies of Form 4, submit your fingerprint card, passport photo and a check for $200 to the ATF. Then you wait for the ATF to process your application. American Hunter says the average ATF suppressor processing wait time is now nine months.

BENEFITS OF SILENCERS

NOISE REDUCTION
According to OSHA, the threshold for a hearing safe impulse noise is 140 dB. Without hearing protection, exposure to any impulse noise over 140dB causes varying degrees of permanent noise-induced hearing loss, which can also lead to tinnitus. Most well-engineered silencers take the dB level of their host firearm well below 140 dB, making those silencers effective primary hearing safety devices. You should always still wear hearing protection (muffs or plugs) when using suppressors.

RECOIL REDUCTION
By containing the explosion at the muzzle, suppressors significantly reduce perceived recoil energy, reduce the rifle’s rearward movement on recoil, and reduce rifle torquing and muzzle flip. The reduction of recoil (and rifle torquing/hopping) lessens shooter fatigue and helps the shooter get his sight picture back on target rapidly after firing. With smaller calibers, a suppressor may enable the shooter to maintain a nearly-continuous sight picture, following the shot into the target. In addition, by reducing felt recoil (and muzzle blast), a suppressor can help inexperienced shooters avoid flinching.

MidwayUSA is running a promotion right now on Leupold scopes, with deep discounts. Among the sale items, there are four scopes well-suited to competition on sale with significant savings. This is your opportunity to save hundreds on a high-quality optic for your benchrest, silhouette, or service rifle. The 35X and 40X comp scopes, for example, are the “real deal” — the same scopes used by many top competitors at registered benchrest matches.

First off, the 35X and 40X fixed-power Leupold Competition scopes on on sale for $824.99, discounted from $1099.99. These scopes are very effective for Benchrest competition and have been used to set numerous records and win matches. They are reasonably light weight with good repeatability and long-term reliability. Both 35X and 40X models feature a 45mm objective lens and side-focus parallax.

MidwayUSA also has the Leupold FX-3 Silhouette scope on sale. This factory-refurbished 30x40mm optic was designed for silhouette competition, though it can also be used for Benchrest or F-Class competition. Originally listed for $699.99, it is now marked down to $431.99, a 38% savings. This is a great deal for a 30-power big name optic.

Last but not least is the Leupold 1.5-4X Mark AR MOD 1 optic at $262.49. This is suited for action events, 3-Gun Comps, and Service Rifle competition. Current CMP Service Rifle rules allow optics with up to 4.5 power magnification. This scope has 1/10 Mil clicks and FIXED (non-adjustable) parallax. You’ll have to pay a LOT more for a premium service rifle scope with adjustable parallax.

Here’s a cool product that can help you level your front rest and rear bag, level your scope, align your target frame, and perform a myriad of tasks around the house. The Digital Angle Cube (aka Electronic Level and Protractor Gauge) is basically a high-tech level that gives you exact angular read-outs to within 0.2 degrees. That’s a lot more precise than any bubble level.

Numerous Shooting-Related Applications
For you position shooters who like to run angled sights, this tool will help you set the rear sight and front tower to exactly the same angle. For High Power guys with 3-way and 4-way adjustable buttstocks, this digital angle gauge can help you quickly and precisely set buttstock angle and cast-off.

Even tactical shooters and long-range hunters can use this device to confirm exact shot angle, with greater precision than a plastic protractor or even an expensive Angle Degree Indicator (ADI). Heck you can even use the thing as an anti-cant device (if you don’t mind the extra weight). We’re sure that our clever readers can find even more uses for a digital angle read-out tool.

The gray-faced iGaging Digital AngleCube sells on Amazon.com for $31.95. It comes with magnets on two sides so you can attach the tool to any ferrous metal surface for a “hands-free” reading. Amazon also sells the WATERPROOF Neoteck Digital Level for $24.95, with magnets on the base. You can find similar devices in hardware and home improvement stores. The illustration below shows how an INSIZE digital level and protractor can be used in the field.

Hornady has an innovative new gunsafe designed for use in vehicles. The new Hornady RAPiD Vehicle Safe offers instant access using modern RFID technology. In addition the RAPiD Safe can easily be installed in nearly any car or truck with individual front seats and a center column. The safe is placed either on the driver’s side or the passenger side, in the gap between the seat and the center console. An inflatable air bladder fits into the gap between seat and column, holding the RAPiD safe steady. A further cable locks around the seat base for added security.

We checked out this product at SHOT Show and it has a lot of positives. It can be easily moved from one vehicle to another, with no interior modifications required. Your handgun can be deployed in just a few seconds (watch video). There is a back-up conventional barrel lock and key, so you can always access your firearm even if the electrical system malfunctions. The RAPiD Vehicle safe can run on its own batteries or you can plug its cord into your vehicle’s 12V power outlet. The air bladder wedge system works pretty well on most vehicles, but the RAPiD Safe definitely wobbles a bit when you open or close it. We prefer it on the passenger side, unless you have a very wide center console.

Story based on report by Paul Phillips of Global Precision Group
Extreme Long Range (ELR) shooting continues to evolve, with new forms of competition “pushing the envelope” of marksmanship (and ballistics) at distances out to 4900 yards (2.8 miles) and beyond. The latest big-time ELR shooting match was the World’s Longest Shot Challenge (WLSC) in Texas. This match was held at the Valdina Ranch, 1700+ acres of gorgeous hill country property, located about 1.5 hours west of San Antonio, Texas. The event attracted 28 shooters competing in four classes. Each competitor could be supported by a spotter and a wind coach, shooting as a three-person team.

Key “Take-Aways” from the 2018 WLSC Match:

1. Prototype Berger .375 Caliber Bullet is a Winner
The new .375 caliber monolithic Berger bullet designed by Bryan Litz was used by the first and second place finisher in the above .338 Caliber class. It performed great and the ultra-high BC was confirmed.

2. Team Applied Ballistics Dominated
The combined Applied Ballistics Team made first-round impacts at 1760, 2000, 2200, and 2400 yards. Also, 11 out of the 12 impacts total at 2200 yards belonged to Team AB. And Team AB’s Chris Palka had the top score overall, in his first-ever major ELR competition. That demonstrates how well the AB ballistics solutions work. By yardage, Chris recorded 68280 points total, as follows: 1760×6, 2000×10, 2200×9, 2400×3, 2680×4.

NOTE: There was also a fourth class at the WLSC, the “Above .338 Factory Class” (.50 BMG) with Jay Divorsky scoring 14560.

WLSC Match Procedures and Scoring:
Competitors shot with time limits at each distance: 5 minutes to make 5 shots at each plate. Hits on steel scored points, with a big premium on first-round hits. The point values (for hits) were based upon standard ELR practice: 5 times the distance on the first shot, 4 times the distance on the second shot, and so on. In this ELR match each team may have three members: Shooter, Wind Coach, and Spotter.

Paul Phillips reported: “After drawing names randomly for shooting order, on Day One we shot 36″ metal plates at 1760, 2000, 2200, and 2400 yards. The second day was elimination day — you had to make impact on each target at least once to advance to the next distance. These targets started at 2680 ranging out to 4900 yards. We had winds from 4-8 mph on the first day and 6-15 mph on the second day which made it very challenging.”

Proof in the Shooting — AB Solvers and Berger Bullets
Bryan Litz of Applied Ballistics stated: “This event was a successful test of several new things. Berger’s prototype .375 caliber solid bullets worked well in numerous guns and tracked perfectly to the most distant targets. Radar measurements of these new bullets indicate extraordinary performance as well. The AB Team also had a couple new staff members shooting their first ELR competition (Chris Palka and Chris Wiencke) who both did well with Chris Palka actually winning the event. This match was a successful demonstration of the science of accuracy being used to put rounds on target. The thing about science, is that it works the same for everyone. The ballistic software and Custom Drag Model (CDM) data that we used to put first-round hits on targets out to 2400 yards is the same software that’s available to everyone in the AB devices (Kestrel, Sig Kilo, Garmin Fortrex) and Mobile Apps.”

The AB ELR Team dominated the Podium in the above .338 Non-Factory Class. Chris Palka was high scorer followed by Paul Phillips (Second) and Chase Stroud (Third). The top two finishers were using Applied Ballistic Weapon Division Rifles sending the new Berger .375-Cal solid bullets designed by Bryan Litz. The third place finisher shot a .375 CheyTac with 400 grain Cutting Edge Laser bullets.

In the .338 and under Factory Class there were mostly .338 Lapua Magnums. These .338s did very well and two out of the three shooters made it to the two-mile plate. The final standings in the 338 and under Factory Class: Peter Contacos (first), Paul Phillips (second), Chris Wiencke (Third). Both Paul and Chris were shooting 300 grain Berger bullets.

Title Sponsor ELRHQ, a McMillan company, brought tables full of gear. Everything was on display: scopes, bipods, mats, bags, triggers, actions, brakes, stocks, LabRadars, TargetVision target cams, and more. ELRHQ.com is a great one-stop online vendor with the latest and greatest gear for those interested in the ELR discipline and precision shooting.

The match was organized by Travis Walla who did a great job. The event ran smoothly and shooters say the Texas BBQ was great. Travis posted: “We had an awesome event, thanks to all of our sponsors that helped make this event a huge success. We also had a awesome opportunity for those that shot this match — they were able to shoot across the Oehler Research 88 and Applied Ballistics LLC radar at the same time out to 2400 yards on Saturday afternoon. Thanks again…”

Capstone Precision Group will conduct four informative seminars about competitive shooting during the 2018 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits. These seminars, designed as introductions to various shooting disciplines, will be led by top competitors. The 147th Annual NRA Convention runs May 3-6, 2018 at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. Visit Capstone at Booth #4517 to learn more about competitive shooting from the experts. The seminars will be held each day in Booth #4517, May 4, 5, and 6 on the schedule listed below.

F-Class Shooting – 10:00-10:30

Join members of the USA Rifle Team to learn about F-Class, what you need to get started and what resources are available to help you learn more. This session will be held by the leaders of the United States F-Open and F-TR Rifle Teams. Made up of over 40 members, the team will be traveling to South Africa in 2021 to represent our country.

F-TR Team USA won the 2017 F-TR World Championship.

Precision Rifle Series (PRS) Shooting – 1:30-2:00

The Precision Rifle Series is one of the fastest growing competitive disciplines. Join two of the top series shooters to learn about all PRS has to offer and how you can join in on the fun. This session is led by Matthew Brousseau of Team Lapua and Missy Gilliland of Team Berger. Matthew is currently #1 in the series, and Missy has won numerous women’s and Top 10 daily awards.

F-TR Team USA won the 2017 F-TR World Championship.

Juniors in Competitive Shooting – 10:45-11:15

Do you have a son or daughter who is interested in competitive shooting? Attend our Juniors in Competitive Shooting educational session to learn how get them started on the right foot. Madison Bramley and her father Dan will lead this discussion. At just 14, Madison has already competed and represented the US around the country, as well as Ireland and Canada.

Madison Bramley at Berger SWN. Erik Cortina Facebook Photo.

Women in Competitive Shooting – 2:15-2:45

This is designed specifically for women who are interested in shooting competitively. Missy Gilliland of Team Berger and Gabby Pitre of Team VihtaVuori will talk about how they got their start in the competitive world and how you can get involved. Missy is a PRS shooter, and Gabby competes in Long Range, Mid-Range, and High Power Across the Course (XTC), so this session will cover many topics.

Missy Gilliland photo courtesy Bushnell.com.

High Power Shooting – 3:00-3:30

Are you interested in High Power Rifle competitions? Let us break down the competition, what you need to get started and how you can get involved with our High Power seminar led by Gabby Pitre and Kevin Thomas. Gabby is a member of Team VihtaVuori and has been competing since she was eight years old. Kevin Thomas is a Capstone employee, and has years of experience both shooting and teaching High Power shooting skills. Both have won distinguished badges and been awarded President’s Hundred, among other accomplishments.

About Capstone Precision Group
Capstone Precision Group is the exclusive U.S. distributor of Berger Bullets, Lapua Components and Munitions, Vihtavuori Propellants, and SK Rimfire products. Capstone Precision Group is a part of Nammo Group.

Are you bored with your “whimpy” .50 BMG? Looking for something with a little more punch? Well J.D. Jones and his team at SSK Industries have created a truly big boomer — the .950 JDJ. As its name implies, rifles chambered for the cartridge have a bore diameter of 0.950″ (24.13 mm). This would normally make such rifles “destructive devices” under the 1934 National Firearms Act (NFA). However, SSK obtained a “Sporting Use” exemption allowing the rifles to be sold without special restrictions as destructive devices. CLICK HERE to watch .950 JDJ being fired.

As crafted by SSK Industries, .950 JDJ rifles use McMillan stocks and very large-diameter Krieger barrels fitted with a massive 18.2-lb muzzle brakes. The ammo produced by SSK features solid 3,600 grain bullets and CNC-machined cartridge brass. It is also possible (through a lot of work), to use a 20mm cannon casing shortened and necked-down.The primer pocket is swaged out to accept a .50 cal machine gun primer. That 3,600 grain bullet is just massive — it weighs more than half a pound. The cartridge propels its 3,600 grain bullet at approximately 2,200 fps. This yields a muzzle energy of 38,685 ft-lbs and a momentum of 154.1 Newton-seconds. The energy on target (knock-down power) is comparable to WWI-era tank rounds.

Great News — There will be serious smallbore rifle competition at Camp Perry this year (though the NRA National Smallbore Championships will still be held at Camp Wa-Ke-De in Indiana). The CMP will host a new series of smallbore events in July at Camp Perry, the Mecca of competitive shooting in the USA. This way smallbore competitors can enjoy the experience of shooting on the famed Camp Perry ranges. Smallbore competitions have been slotted into the Camp Perry National Match schedule July 16-22, 2018. These smallbore events include: 3×40 two-day event; 3P Team Match; Two-Day Prone event; Elimination Prone event; Prone Team Match; USAMU Training Clinic.

The smallbore matches will be fired on Rodriguez Range at Camp Perry under a covered firing line. Shooters Technology will provide a scoring App that allows instant scoring for quick results. Finals will be conducted on the CMP’s Electronic Targets installed on the Camp Perry Petrarca Range.

NATIONAL MATCHES at CAMP PERRY
The National Trophy Pistol and Rifle Matches have been a continued tradition of marksmanship excellence every summer since 1903. Moved to Camp Perry, Ohio, in 1907, the event now draws well over 6,000 annual visitors. For any serious marksman, competing at the National Matches at Camp Perry if a definite “bucket list” item, an experience that creates life-long memories. Participants range from novices to the world’s top smallbore and high power shooters.

Here’s a video from 2011 when the NRA Smallbore Championships were held at Camp Perry. It is great to see smallbore events return to Camp Perry in 2018.

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Looks like MasterPiece Arms (MPA) stocks are a top choice for the tactical game. MPA chassis systems have been used to WIN 5 of the last 12 matches in the Precision Rifle Series (PRS). The MPA BA Chassis was used by David Preston to win the Carolina PRS Match, Defiance Long Range Shooting Experience (LRSE), and Rocky Mountain Mayhem PRS Match; by Matt Brousseau to win the Bushnell Lonestar Challenge; and by Matt Rooks to win the MPA Spring Shootout. Five of twelve works out to a 42% win percentage — pretty impressive considering all the stock/chassis options on the market today.

The MPA BA Chassis was recently surveyed to be the number one chassis/stock system used by PRS competitors in the PRS 2017 Finale Gear Survey. It experienced a 900% increase in use in 2017 from 2016, which was by far the biggest jump among all chassis systems used by PRS competitors.

MPA’s president, Phil Cashin, is an active PRS shooter. He finished in the top 100 in 2017 and qualified for the finale last year. Cashin, shown in the video below, regularly tests out new ideas and upgrades in actual competition and he regularly seeks out feedback from top tactical competitors. As they say, competition improves the breed.

MPA Production Class Rifle
MPA also offers a PRS Production Class Rifle (PCR) using the MPA Chassis system mated to a Savage Model 12 action. Production Class rifles may cost no more than $2000.00 before optics. Designed specifically for the new PRS Production Class, MPA’s PCR Competition Rifle offers many premium features yet stays under the $2,000 Class limit. The Savage action is upgraded with a Rifle Basix 2-lb trigger, and the adjustable, modular chassis offers a bag rider, barricade stop, and built-in bubble level.

For more information on the MasterPiece Arms product line of rifles, chassis systems and accessories, visit www.Masterpiecearms.com.

At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.

1. Creedmoor Sports — Kowa TSN-82SV with Eyepiece Special

This is a good deal. The Kowa 82SV body only (by itself) sells for about $800.00 elsewhere. So you are essentially getting the 25X LER eyepiece, a $225 value, for just $44.95 when you by this from Creedmoor Sports for $844.95. That works out to a $180.00 savings. The Kowa TSN-82SV is a very reliable, high-quality spotting scope, and the 25X LER eyepiece is great when shooting prone — the long eye relief makes it easier to move from your riflescope (or iron sights) to the spotter. If you prefer more magnification, Creedmoor offers the TSN-82SV scope with 20-60X eyepiece for $944.95. That 20-60X eyepiece sells for up to $350.00 by itself, so again, this is a very good deal. PLUS you can also get free ground shipping on the Kowa 82SV spotting scope (with either eyepiece). Use Coupon Code FRSH18 at Checkout to get Free ground shipping on $99+ orders.

2. Bruno Shooters Supply — Spring Inventory Reduction Sale

You’ll find some great buys at Bruno Shooters Supply. But you need to act quick. Bruno’s Spring Inventory Reduction Sale runs now through NOON on Tuesday, April 24, 2018. Lots of great items are on sale, including top name brands: Lapua brass, Berger Bullets, Sierra Bullets, BAT Actions, Hodgdon Powder, Lyman Reloading Products, Hornady products, Nosler products and more. Save 15% or more on many items. Visit Bruno’s Sale Page for the full list of products on sale.

3. Amazon — Weaver 46x48mm XR Competition Scope, $666.00

This scope normally sells for around $900-$950. But right now you can order the 46-power Weaver XR scope for just $666.00. Killer Deal — save well over $200.00. But act quick — this price could change (this is a back-order — scopes will ship from Amazon when available). The new Weaver T-Series XR 46x48mm scope offers a lot of bang for the buck compared to pricey high-magnification zoom optics (which cost $2000-$2500). Compared to the older T-36, this new 46-power XR scope offers more magnification, more elevation, a larger front objective (48mm vs. 40mm), and a larger 30mm main tube (compared to 1″ for the old T-36). The new XR 46X Weaver also features side-focus parallax control. Note, Natchez currently has the silver 36x40mm Weaver XR for just $389.99 — a fantastic price. 36X is enough power for benchrest competition.

4. Walmart — 48″ Stack-On Shooter’s Safe, $263.46

This is an absolutely killer deal on a small Stack-on Safe that could be an ideal second safe for your garage, workroom, or bedroom. It measures 48″ high x 20.88″ wide x 19.75″ deep (internal dimensions are: 45.5″ x 18.5″ x 13.5″). This safe is ETL fire-rated for up to 1400° for 30 minutes. NOTE: This is NOT tall enough to fit match rifles with long barrels, but it will work great to hold pistols, shorter rifles, optics, expensive electronics and personal items (jewelry, watches, documents). This safe weighs 270 pounds assembled, which can be moved fairly easily with a hand dolly. You can pick up at Walmart Store for $263.46, or pay $47.97 for shipping right to your front door. Very good price.

5. Amazon — Kestrel 3000 Pocket Wind Meter, $149.00

Very popular with Amazon buyers, the Kestrel 3000 enjoys 80% 5-Star Ratings. This versatile Weather Meter records wind speed, wind gust, average wind speed, temperature, humidity, dew point and more. Every precision shooter should have a wind meter, and this is an affordable entry-level unit. NOTE: This Kestrel 3000 does NOT include built-in Applied Ballistics software (to get that feature you’ll have to pay $599+ for a Kestrel Elite). No worries — you can run a separate mobile App on your phone, such as Ballistic, which uses the JBM Ballistics engine and costs just $12.99.

7. Smith & Wesson SD9VE 9mm, $249.99 with CODE M8Y

The two-tone Smith & Wesson SD9VE 9mm pistol features contrasting stainless-steel slide and barrel. Weighing just 22.7 oz, this DAO pistol ships with two 16-round magazines, offering plenty of fire-power. Overall length is 7.2″ with a 4″-long barrel. Both front and rear sights are drift-adjustable. This is a nice medium-sized pistol that shoots well. The Smith & Wesson SD9VE is on sale now at Brownells. Sale price is currently $259.99 with a $10 FFL processing fee. SAVE MORE: During check-out at Brownells.com, use code “M8Y” to receive $20 Off and get FREE delivery. That lowers your net cost to just $249.99 shipped to your FFL!

8. NRA & MidwayUSA — NRA Life Membership, $600.00

Save big right now on an NRA Memberships. The NRA is offering very attractive membership deals, in conjunction with MidwayUSA. Get a life membership for $600.00. This normally costs $1500.00, but if you CLICK HERE, you can get a life membership for just $600.00, thanks to an NRA/MidwayUSA promotion. You can also save on 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year NRA memberships. Note: This is a limited-time offer, current as of 4/23/2018.

9. Amazon — Howard Leight MAX NRR33 Earplugs, $8.00/50 Pairs

20 Pairs

50 Pairs

These Howard Leight NRR33 Max plugs are your Editor’s favorite foam earplugs. Between shooting, motorcycling and mowing lawns, I probably have Max plugs in my ears 2-3 days a week. This is a very good price for a bulk pack of 50 pairs. And if you act soon, you can get free shipping to boot.

New Zealand-based Annealing Made Perfect (AMP) has released powerful new software called AZTEC Mode. This works with existing AMP annealing machines, offering unrivaled “custom tuning” for your brass. AZTEC Mode lets AMP owners calibrate their own cases without sending samples to New Zealand. Basically you take one brass case from your lot, and AZTEC runs a special test cycle. You’ll discard that one case, but the software will analyze the brass characteristics and develop a custom, optimized annealing profile for that exact type of brass. We think the AMP machines were already the most advanced annealers on the market, and AZTEC Mode makes the AMP even better.

AMP’s engineers tell us: “This AZTEC system is not a firmware update or patch. It is a major upgrade in the way the annealer operates”. AZTEC Mode can be downloaded (in locked format) from AMPAnnealing.com, and you can install using the USB cable supplied with the annealer. When downloaded, it will be locked. The Unlock Code can be purchased for $250.00 from Creedmoor Sports.

This 4-minute video explains the basic features of AZTEC mode:

Patent-Pending AZTEC Mode software has been under development for quite some time. This very sophisticated software was unveiled at SHOT Show 2018, and now it is available for download and purchase. AMP’s team has worked hard in the past few months perfecting AZTEC Mode and it’s now ready for the end user. Watch this comprehensive video to see how AZTEC Mode works.

Here is a full 23-minute Instructional Video on AZTEC Mode:

AZTEC also comes with a “Sort Mode” comparator, which analyses the neck, shoulder and front section of the body. It is very sensitive to variables such as mass and dimensions. It is a work in progress. Annealing Made Perfect are conducting further research with ballistics laboratories to establish the best applications. AZTEC Mode is self-prompting and very simple to use with minimal technical expertise. AMP has prepared instructional videos showing how to install and use AZTEC Mode. You don’t have to be a computer whiz — just follow the instructions and you should find AZTEC pretty easy to use.

To buy AZTEC Mode software, use the USB cable supplied with the annealer and download the AZTEC Mode Software from AMPAnnealing.com. Then purchase the Unlock Code from Creedmoor Sports for $250.00. Customers will then receive an email from Annealing Made Perfect with the unlock code and instructions within 48 hours. AZTEC Mode is currently only available for Windows OS, with a version for Apple (Mac) iOS available soon.

A History of the .220 Swift Cartridge

by Sierra Bullets Ballistic Technician Paul BoxThis cartridge was introduced by Winchester in 1935 in their model 54 rifle. A year later, it was added as a standard cartridge in the model 70. What might not be common knowledge to some reloaders is that the prototype for the Swift was developed in 1934-35 by Grosvenor Wotkyns by necking down the 250 Savage case, but in the end, Winchester chose the 6mm Lee Navy case for the foundation for this cartridge.

This cartridge was far ahead of its time and for that reason it received a lot of bad press. We’ve all read the horror stories through the years. Many of those stories were just simply repeated from previous articles even the wording was just slightly different. So how bad was the Swift? Let’s take a deeper look.

Some of the early Swifts had soft barrel steel and some of the rare ones even had barrels that were .223 in bore size. This stemmed from the fact that the .22 Hornets prior to the end of World War II were .223 in bore size and some of these barrels were chambered in the Swift. It was rumored that the Swift peaked in pressure far too quick. I’ll bet they did with a turkey extra full choke barrel.

Burn rates of powders were limited at that time as well, so the Swift was limited in its true ability due to that. It was almost like building a funny car for drag racing when only kerosene was available.

One of the longest lasting black eyes was that it shot barrels out so fast. If you get the barrel branding iron hot and fail to clean it often this can happen. Common sense will go a long ways here. Keep the barrel as cool as you can and properly clean it every fifteen rounds or less will go a long way to improving accuracy life of a Swift.

So what is the real truth about this cartridge? I’m glad you ask. I’ve been shooting the .220 Swift for over 43 years now. It is one of the best varmint cartridges I’ve ever owned. It is not hard to load for, it doesn’t suddenly peak in pressure and it isn’t the barrel burner that you’ve heard. Hodgdon powders once reported a Remington 40-X with over 3,000 rounds of full power loads averaged .344” for five, 5-shot groups. My findings have been the same. It isn’t as hard on barrels as it has been made out to be.

I’ve also read that down loading it slightly will help in barrel life. This is true, but if you buy a thoroughbred you want him to run. Barrels are threaded on the end for a reason. If you have enough fun to shoot out a Swift barrel, just rebarrel it.

The bottom line is enjoy the .220 Swift for what it was meant to be. The popularity of the Swift has slipped in the last twenty years and few factory rifles are now available in this caliber. There is no reason for this and I know the Swift will always have a strong and loyal following.

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The NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits Event runs May 3-6 in Dallas, Texas. Here are some helpful resources for members planning to attend the NRA Convention. There will be over 800 Exhibitors displaying products at the 2018 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits. You can see products from big name companies such as Berger Bullets, Leupold, Nightforce, Nosler, Redding, Remington, Ruger, Savage, Smith & Wesson, and Winchester. You can also meet with top hunting guides and outfitters.

The 147th NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits will take place at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, May 3-6 in Dallas, Texas. The Exhibit Hall will be open May 4-6. Along with the Exhibits, the event will feature seminars, workshops, special events, and more.

The NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits is FREE to all NRA members and their families (spouse and children under 18 years old). For faster entry bring your current NRA membership card with you.

NOTE: Pre-Registration has closed and badges are now being shipped out. Attendees can register on-site at the event in Dallas — bring your membership card or number with you.

Download Free NRA Annual Meetings Mobile App

Attendees should definitely official Mobile App for the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits. This FREE App will help you locate your favorite exhibitors, keep track of special events, plan your time, and get important notifications. The App works with both Apple (iOS) and Android mobile devices.

LOCATION of 2018 NRA Annual Meetings in Dallas:

This year’s NRA Convention will be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in downtown Dallas. Use this interactive map to plan your travel.

Australian John Lavaring recently shot a group at 200 yards that would make most centerfire shooters proud. The five-shot group, with all shots in the center 10-ring, measured just 0.93 inches. That works out to 0.44 MOA at 200 — mighty impressive for a .22 LR. Recorded at a Rimfire Fly Shoot benchrest event in Canberra, Australia, this 200-yard target set two new Australian SSAA National records! John was using ELEY Tenex ammunition.

Congratulations to John Lavaring for a spectacular demonstration of how well a rimfire rig can shoot — even at 200 yards. We rarely shoot our .22 LR rifles past 50 meters. Maybe it’s time to start a Rimfire ELR series, with targets at 200 or even 300 yards. What do you think of the Rimfire ELR idea? Leave comments below.

Anschutz 54 Benchrest Rig
The rifle was a Anchutz model 54 Match in a custom benchrest stock. John’s record-setting rig features a barrel block, which you can see forward of the action. Scope is a Bausch & Lomb BR model. We don’t have the round count on Lavaring’s barrel, but good rimfire benchrest rifles can often get 10,000 rounds (or more) of accurate life.

Rimfire Ballistics at 200 Yards
Some folks may be wondering about .22 LR ballistics at 200 yards. Well, with a 25-yard zero, the 200-yard drop for John’s 40gr Tenex ammo is 54 inches, assuming 0.145 G1 BC and 1085 fps muzzle velocity per ELEY website. And at 200 yards, a 10 mph crosswind will push that little bullet 15.3 inches! We’re told the winds were pretty tricky when Lavary shot his record group. This makes his achievement all the more impressive — we have to admire John’s wind-reading ability.

This ELEY ammo has proven to be exceptionally accurate. Here is a short video showing TEN rounds of Tenex shot from a machine rest with target at 50 meters.